Nestable Animal Containment Cage Bases and Covers and Nesting Processes

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are animal containment cage bases and covers that can be nested to disengage and/or collapse one or more cage components or one or more cage component mount members from a cage base or cage cover. Also provided herein are methods of removing cage components or cage component mount members from cage bases and cage covers by nesting. Also provided herein, is a detachable animal containment cage component grommet and methods of use thereof.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION(S)

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/686,583 filed Jun. 18, 2018, entitled NESTABLE ANIMALCONTAINMENT CAGE BASES AND COVERS AND NESTING PROCESSES, namingFrancesca McGuffie, Dee L. Conger and Daniel Romane as inventors andassigned attorney docket no. INO-1013-PV. The entire contents of theforegoing patent application is incorporated herein by reference,including all text, tables and drawings.

FIELD

The technology relates in part to the field of animal husbandry and toanimal containment.

BACKGROUND

Single-use animal containment cage bases, cage covers and other cagecomponents are typically disposed of or recycled after use. Often animalcontainment cage bases, cage covers and other cage components that havebeen used are nested to facilitate storage and transport.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are compositions and methods based on nesting of cagebases and cage covers that facilitate processing of used cages and cagecomponents for disposal or recycling.

Provided in certain aspects is an animal containment cage base with abottom and one or more walls, wherein the walls comprise an interiorsurface and an exterior surface. The cage base is configured for nestingwith another cage base. One or more cage components and/or one or morecage component mount members are engaged with a portion of the cagebase. The cage components and the cage component mount members areconfigured for disengagement from the cage base when the cage base isnested.

Also provided in certain aspects is a set of animal containment cagebases that includes a first cage base comprising a bottom and one ormore walls, wherein the walls comprise an interior surface and anexterior surface. A second cage base comprising a bottom and one or morewalls. The first cage base is configured for nesting with the secondcage base and the second cage base is configured for nesting with thefirst cage base. One or more cage components and/or one or more cagecomponent mount members are engaged with a portion of the first cagebase. The cage components and the cage component mount members areconfigured for disengagement from the first cage base when the firstcage base and the second cage base are nested.

Also provided in certain aspects is a method for disengaging one or morecage components and/or cage component mount members from an animalcontainment cage base by nesting a first cage base comprising a bottomand one or more walls and one or more cage components and/or one or morecage component mount members with a second cage base comprising a bottomand one or more walls, whereby the one or more cage components and/orone or more cage component mount members are disengaged from the firstcage base.

Also provided in certain aspects is an animal containment cage coverthat includes a planar region comprising an interior surface and anexterior surface, and a flange region extending around a perimeter ofthe cover. The cage cover is configured for nesting with another cagecover. One or more cage components and/or one or more cage componentmount members are engaged with a portion of the planar region of a cagecover. The cage components and the cage component mount members areconfigured for disengagement from the cage cover when cage cover isnested.

Also provided in certain aspects is a set of animal containment cagecovers that includes a first cage cover comprising a planar regioncomprising an interior surface and an exterior surface and a flangeregion extending around a perimeter of the first cage cover. A secondcage cover comprising a planar region comprising an interior surface andan exterior surface, and a flange region extending around a perimeter ofthe cover. The first cage cover is configured for nesting with thesecond cage cover and the second cage cover is configured for nestingwith the first cage cover. One or more cage components and/or one ormore cage component mount members are engaged with a portion of thefirst cage cover. The cage components and the cage component mountmembers are configured for disengagement from the first cage cover whenthe first cage cover and the second cage cover are nested.

Also provided in certain aspects is a method for disengaging one or morecage components and/or cage component mount members from an animalcontainment cage cover by nesting a first cage cover comprising a planarregion comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, a flangeregion extending around a perimeter of the cover, and one or more cagecomponents and/or one or more cage component mount members engaged witha portion of the first cage cover with a second cage cover comprising aplanar region comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface,and a flange region extending around a perimeter of the cover, wherebythe one or more cage components and/or one or more cage component mountmembers are disengaged from the first cage cover.

Also provided in certain aspects is a detachable animal containment cagecomponent grommet that includes an interior member comprising anaperture for insertion of a cage component; and an exterior membercomprising a sliding door to allow access to the aperture; wherein theinterior member and the exterior member are configured for engagementand for disengagement.

Also provided in certain aspects is a method of detaching an animalcontainment cage component grommet from an animal containment cage bynesting a first cage base comprising an animal containment cagecomponent grommet with a second cage base comprising a bottom and one ormore walls, whereby the animal containment cage component grommet isdetached from the first cage base.

Also provided in certain aspects is a rodent containment cage componentgrommet with an interior member comprising an aperture for insertion ofa water supply tube and a male sliding member and an exterior membercomprising a sliding door for access to the aperture; a female slidingmember and an extension member. The male sliding member is configured toengage the female sliding member to associate the interior member andthe exterior member and produce an assembled grommet. The assembledgrommet is attached to a cage base wall when the interior member isinserted from the interior of a cage base through an opening in a cagebase wall to contact the exterior member positioned exterior to the cagebase to engage the male and female sliding members. The assembledgrommet when attached to a cage base wall is disassembled and detachedfrom the cage base wall when the cage base is nested with another cagebase and a wall of the other cage base contacts the extension member.

Certain embodiments are described further in the following description,examples, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the technology and arenot limiting. For clarity and ease of illustration, the drawings are notmade to scale and, in some instances, various aspects may be shownexaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of particularembodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a rear isometric view of nesting of a cage base including adetachable animal containment cage component grommet with another cagebase.

FIG. 2 shows a rear isometric view of progressed nesting of the cagebases initially shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 shows a rear isometric view of completed nesting of the cagebases initially shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 shows a bottom rear isometric view of attachment of a detachableanimal containment cage component grommet to a cage base wall.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom rear isometric view of completed attachment of adetachable animal containment cage component grommet to a cage basewall.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of a water supply tube in positon to beinserted into a detachable animal containment cage component grommet.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of a water supply tube inserted into adetachable animal containment cage component grommet.

FIG. 8 shows a rear view of a detachable animal containment cagecomponent grommet with a door in closed position.

FIG. 9 shows a rear view of a detachable animal containment cagecomponent grommet with a door in an open position.

FIG. 10A shows a bottom view of a detachable animal containment cagecomponent grommet.

FIG. 10B shows a side view of a detachable animal containment cagecomponent grommet.

FIG. 10C shows a rear view of a detachable animal containment cagecomponent grommet.

FIG. 10D shows bottom front isometric view of a detachable animalcontainment cage component grommet.

FIG. 11A shows a front isometric view of a disassembled detachableanimal containment cage component grommet.

FIG. 11B shows a rear isometric of a disassembled detachable animalcontainment cage component grommet.

FIG. 12A shows a rear view of a detachable animal containment cagecomponent grommet with a door in an open position.

FIG. 12B shows a rear isometric view of a detachable animal containmentcage component grommet with a door in an open position.

FIG. 12C shows a bottom rear isometric view of a detachable animalcontainment cage component grommet with a door in an open position.

FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of nesting of a cage cover including awater pouch with another cage cover.

FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of progressed nesting of the cage coversinitially shown in FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 shows a transparent side view of completed nesting of the cagecovers initially shown in FIG. 13 .

FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of nesting of a cage base including acollapsible feeder with another cage base.

FIG. 17 shows an isometric view of progressed nesting of the cage basesinitially shown in FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 shows a transparent side view of completed nesting of the cagebases initially shown in FIG. 16 .

FIG. 19 shows an isometric view of nesting of a cage base including acollapsible enrichment wheel with another cage base.

FIG. 20 shows an isometric view of progressed nesting of the cage basesinitially shown in FIG. 19 .

FIG. 21 shows a transparent side view of completed nesting of the cagebases initially shown in FIG. 19 .

Certain features in the drawings are summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Callout Feature 100 cage base 101 top surface 102 rear wall 103mount opening 104 bottom of upper cage base 200 assembled grommet 201exterior member 202 interior member 203 extension member 204 malesliding member 205 water supply tube aperture 206 female sliding member207 sloped surface 208 sliding stand 209 door 210 sloped wall 211 doorretainer 215 bottom door stop 216 door rail 217 top door stop 218 doorguide 219 cage wall void 220 1st interior member radius 221 retainingsurface 222 connection member 223 sliding member stop 224 2nd interiormember radius 300 water supply tube 400 cage lid 401 Upper cage coverbottle cavity 500 water pouch 600 collapsible feeder 601 breakable tabs602 collapsed feeder w/tabs broken off 700 collapsible enrichment wheel701 collapsed enrichment wheel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are animal containment cage bases that can be nested,that have cage component members and cage component mounting membersthat can be disengaged when the cage bases are nested. Also providedherein are animal containment cage covers that can be nested, that havecage component members and cage component mounting members that can bedisengaged when the cage covers are nested. Some or all of thedisengaged cage component members and cage component mounting members,although detached remain associated with nested cage bases or nestedcage covers. In addition, detached but associated cage component membersand cage component mounting members often have a flat profile or areflattened in the nesting process. Also, cage bases, cage covers, cagecomponent members and cage component mounting members can be constructedfrom the same recyclable material. Use of the cage bases, cage covers,cage component members and cage component mount members described hereincan provide many advantages, including, but not limited to thefollowing. Less labor intensive, repetitive and time-consuming usermanipulations: (i) cage component members and cage component mountmembers need not be individually detached from cage bases and coversprior to nesting (they are detached by nesting) and (ii) disengaged cagecomponent members and cage component mounting members need not beseparated from cage bases or cage covers prior to recycling as they areall the same material. A higher nesting density of materials can beachieved as certain flat or flattened cage component members and/or cagecomponent mount members are associated with nested cage bases or cagecovers without significantly interfering with the degree of nesting ofcage bases or cage covers. Use of the described cage bases and cagecovers that can be nested along with the described methods results in acompact assembly of cage bases or cage covers along with certain cagecomponents that can be recycled without further preparation.

Animal containment cage units often comprise a cage unit base member, acover member, and one or more additional component members associatedwith a cage base and/or a cage cover. An animal cage base sometimes isprovided separately from a cover, the cover often can be sealinglyattached to the cage base and the cover often is readily detachable fromthe base. A variety of animals can be contained within cages describedherein. Rodents often are contained within such units, including but notlimited to mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas andrabbits.

Cage Bases

A cage base is of any geometry suitable for housing animals, such ascylindrical, substantially cylindrical, conical, rectangular, square,cubic, rhomboid and the like, for example. A cage base often comprises abottom member that supports a plurality of sidewall members (e.g., foursidewall members). One sidewall member often is referred to as the“front sidewall member” and the opposite sidewall member often isreferred to as the “rear sidewall member.” Opposing sidewall memberssometimes are parallel, substantially parallel, not parallel, rhomboid,substantially rhomboid or a combination thereof. In some embodiments,opposing sidewalls are not parallel, and are not vertical with respectto the bottom. In such embodiments, a sidewall, and sometimes allsidewalls, are at a non-90 degree angle with respect to the bottom, suchas an angle between about 91 degrees and about 105 degrees, an angle ofabout 92 degrees to about 98 degrees or an angle of about 95 degrees,for example. Such angled sidewall configurations (with respect to thebottom) can promote cage base nesting.

The top edge of one or more sidewall members often is contiguous with aflange portion that extends, often vertically, from the outer surface ofthe sidewall member. The flange sometimes forms a continuous surfacearound the top perimeter of the cage and its surface often is horizontalwhen the cage rests on its bottom member. The flange sometimes isconfigured to mate with a portion of a cover member, described furtherherein. In some embodiments, the flange includes an optional downwardextending lip member, which sometimes mates with a corresponding memberof a cover to form a detachable seal. The profile of the lip member ofthe base is of any shape to allow a fit with a corresponding structureon the cover, where the profile sometimes is curved, and sometimes isS-shaped, V-shaped or J-shaped.

Sidewall members and bottom member are typically constructed from apolymer and can have a thickness of about 0.01 inches to about 0.08inches or the thickness of about 0.01 inches to about 0.03 inches. Thesidewalls often are of substantially uniform thickness. The bottom oftenis of substantially uniform thickness.

Cage Covers

A cover often is provided separately from a cage base, often reversiblymates with a cage base, sometimes in sealing attachment, and is of anysuitable geometry allowing for attachment to the base. A cover memberoften comprises a substantially planar region and a flange region. Thesubstantially planar region often comprises one or more cage componentsdescribed herein. In some embodiments, a cage cover can include anintegral structure, such as a holder for a water receptacle or a waterbottle cavity. The flange region sometimes is embossed, can be raised,often comprises a region that extends downwards as a lip (referred toherein as a “lip”). A flange and optional lip region may extendcontinuously around the perimeter of the cover. The profile of theflange and optional lip often correspond to a flange and optional lip ona cage base, and often allow the cover to seal with the base via aninterference fit. The flange and optional lip are of any shape to effectan interference fit with the base, and sometimes are S-shaped, V-shaped,J-shaped and U-shaped, upwards or inverted, for example. Examples ofmaterials from which the cover can be constructed include thosedescribed above for cage bases. Sometimes the cover and base areconstructed from the same material and sometimes are of a similar or thesame thickness.

Nested Cage Bases and Covers

A cage base can be inserted into another cage base and several cagebases can be stacked or a cage cover can be inserted into another cagecover and several cage covers can be stacked, which is referred toherein as “nesting.” Nesting cage components significantly reduces thevolume of multiple cage bases or cage covers as compared to the samenumber of un-nested members, which is advantageous for storage andshipping of used cage bases or cage covers to a facility for disposal orrecycling, for example. Any convenient number of like members can benested, including, but not limited to, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 ormore, 40 or more, 50 or more, 60 or more, 70 or more, 80 or more, 90 ormore or 100 or more like members. The degree or efficiency of nestingsometimes can be expressed in terms of a percentage, which is the heightor volume of the nested member within another like member containing it,relative to the overall height or volume of the nested member. Thus, theterm “80% nested” indicates 80% of the volume or height of a nested cagemember, for example, is contained within the member in which it isinserted. When stacked, cage bases provided herein often are about 75%or more nested, sometimes about 80% or more or about 85% or more nested,and sometimes about 90% to about 95% nested. When stacked, cage coversprovided herein often are about 70% or more nested, sometimes about 75%or more, sometimes about 80% or more or about 85% or more nested, andsometimes about 90% to about 95% nested.

Thus, in certain embodiments provided are cage bases that can be nested.In certain embodiments provided are cage covers that can be nested.

As used herein, “nesting” is inserting a first cage base (i.e., upperbase), having at least one engaged cage component or cage mount memberto be disengaged, into the interior of a second cage base (i.e., lowerbase) (the second cage base can be alone or part of a stack of nestedcage bases) or inserting a second cage base (i.e., upper base) into theinterior of a first cage base (i.e., lower base) having at least oneengaged cage component or cage mount member to be disengaged (the firstcage base can be alone or part of a stack of nested cage bases).

Also as used herein, “nesting” is inserting a first cage cover (i.e.,upper cover), having at least one engaged cage component or cage mountmember to be disengaged, into a second cage cover (i.e lower cage cover,the exterior surface of the second cage cover is contacted by theinterior surface of the first cage cover) (the second cage cover can bealone or part of a stack of nested cage covers) or inserting a secondcage cover (i.e., upper cover) into a first cage cover having at leastone engaged cage component or cage mount member to be disengaged (i.elower cage cover, the exterior surface of the first cage cover iscontacted by the interior surface of the second cage cover) (the firstcage base can be alone or part of a stack of nested cage bases).

Cage Component Members

Typically cage components are separate from a cage base or cage coverand are reversibly engaged a cage base or a portion thereof or a cagecover or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, may be integral to acage base or cage cover, but are not permanently integrated.

Examples of cage components or cage component members in addition to acage base and cage cover can include, but are not limited a feed supplycomponent (often referred to herein as a “feeder,” “food trough,” or“food tray”) a water supply component (e.g. water bottle, water pouch),a water supply holder or water supply receptacle (e.g. a bottle holderor mesh pouch holder), a card holder, a shelter (e.g., a dome), anexercise component (e.g., a wheel), an enrichment component andcombinations thereof (e.g., combination wheel and dome).

A shelter structure is of any shape or geometry that allows an animal toenter the structure and become covered or partially covered by thestructure. Any convenient structure for housing animals can be used, andin some embodiments, a shelter is a perforated pipe structure. Anexample of a combined feeding and shelter structure is described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,571,738.

Cage components (e.g., a water supply tube or a sensor) that are removedfrom a cage base or a cage lid prior to nesting are not included in theabove discussed components.

A cage component member can be constructed of any material suitable forcontaining an animal using materials and manufacturing process such asthose described for manufacturing cage bases and cage covers, forexample. In some embodiments a cage component is constructed from thesame polymer material that can be recycled (e.g., PET) as are cage basesand cage covers. This eliminate the need to sort disengaged cagecomponents from nested cage bases or nested cage covers prior torecycling.

Cage Component Mount Member

A cage component mount member can be used to engage or attach a cagecomponent member with a cage base or a cage cover. In some embodiments,a cage component mount member can engage a cage component with a cagebase wall interior or exterior surface or a cage cover interior orexterior surface. In some embodiments, a cage component mount member canbe used to insert a cage component through a cage base wall or through acage cover so that a cage component can access an interior region of acage.

A cage component mount member can be a part of a cage component (e.g., aflange of a cage component such as a flange member surrounding the topedge of the food tray) or an attachment to a cage component. A cagecomponent mount member can be any suitable shape or size that enables acage component to be engaged with a cage base or cage cover so as to beable to carry out its intended function.

In some embodiments, a cage component mount member rests on or ispositioned by one or more mounts or cradles extending from an innersurface of one or more sidewall members of a cage base which allows forattachment of a cage component (e.g., a card holder) to the insidesurface of a sidewall of a cage base. In some embodiments, a cagecomponent mount member rests on or is positioned by one or more mountsor cradles extending from an outer surface of one or more sidewallmembers of a cage base which allows for attachment of a cage component(e.g., a card holder) to the outside surface of a sidewall of a cagebase. In some embodiments, a cage mount is a substantially flat, planarmember, where the surface of the cage mount is parallel or essentiallyparallel to the surface of the cage base bottom.

A cage base sometimes comprises one or more indents in a sidewall memberthat extends towards the interior of the cage base. An indent sometimesis configured to orient one or more cage components (e.g., feedingtray), and sometimes it or a portion thereof is referred to as a“cradle” or “support member” when utilized in this manner. A support isof any geometry useful for supporting and orienting a cage component,and sometimes is an extension comprising a planar upper surface parallelwith a base unit bottom surface. A cage base sometimes comprises one ormore detents in a sidewall member that extend away from the interior ofthe cage base and are of a shape adapted to receive a cage componentmount member or portion thereof.

In certain embodiments, a cage cover comprises an aperture through whicha cage component mount member or a cage component is fixed and/orsuspended. In some embodiments a cage cover comprises a holder orreceptacle for a cage component.

A cage component mount member can engage a cage component with a wall ofa cage base or a surface of a cage cover by any manner that can bedisrupted by the nesting of cage bases or cage covers so that the cagecomponent associated with the cage component mount member is disengagedfrom a cage base or cage cover. For example engagement can be, but isnot limited to, hanging, suspending, resting upon, reversibleassociation by sliding engagement with a corresponding feature,reversibly sealing or inserting into an aperture. In some embodiments acage component or a cage component mount member can be dislodged bynesting of cage bases or cage covers. In some embodiments a cagecomponent mount member can be broken apart or sheared off a cagecomponent it is attached to by the nesting of cage bases or cage covers,disengaging or releasing a cage component from a cage base or cagecover. In some embodiments, a cage component mount member can be formedas a beak away part. In some embodiments, a cage component mount memberthat is reversibly sealed or affixed or attached to a cage base or cagecover can be separated from a cage base or a cage cover by nesting ofcage bases or cage covers. In some embodiments, a cage component mountmember can be disassembled into two or more component parts by nestingof bases or covers, thereby disengaging or releasing a cage componentand/or the cage component mount member from a cage base or cage cover.

In some embodiments, a cage component mount member can be constructedfrom known materials that will maintain their structural integrity whenexposed to conditions created by standard use of an animal containmentcage, but will not maintain their integrity under conditions resultingfrom nesting. In some embodiments, cage component mount members can besealed or affixed using from known materials that will function to sealor adhere when exposed to conditions created by typical use of an animalcontainment cage, but will not function to seal or adhere underconditions resulting from nesting. In some embodiments a cage componentmount member can be constructed to have one or more weak sections (e.g.,of less thickness than the remainder of the cage component mount member)that are compromised only under nesting conditions. In some embodimentsa cage component mount member can be made of the same material as a cagebase or a cage cover and is constructed to have one or more weaksections.

In some embodiments, a cage component (e.g., a water supply tube) isremoved from a cage component mount member prior to nesting, and it isthe cage component mount member without a cage component that isdisengaged from a cage base or a cage cover by nesting. A non-limitingexample of such a cage component mount member is a detachable animalcontainment cage component grommet (hereinafter “grommet”) (e.g., 200illustrated in FIGS. 5-12 ). An assembled grommet (200) can include aninterior member (e.g., 202 in FIGS. 4 and 11B) and an exterior member(e.g., 201 in FIGS. 3, 4 and 11B).

An interior member (202) can be inserted from the interior of a cagebase into and through a mount opening (e.g., 103 in FIG. 1 ) in a cagebase rear wall (e.g., 102 in FIG. 1 ). An interior member sometimes canbe disk shaped (e.g., 201 in FIGS. 11A and 11B) and can have two sides.When an interior member is inserted into and through a mount opening ofa cage base wall, one side can face the interior of the cage base andcan be essentially flat. The flat side can have a first interior memberradius (e.g. 220 in FIGS. 10A and 11A), a second interior member radius(e.g., 224 in FIG. 11A) and an aperture (e.g. 205 in FIG. 11A). Theother side, in part, can contact an inner surface of a cage base walland in part, can be rectangular shaped and occupy the mount opening (seeFIG. 4 ). The other side of an interior member can include an aperture(e.g., 205 in FIG. 11B) and a male sliding member on each short side ofthe rectangle (e.g., 204 in FIGS. 4 and 11B), each of which can protrudeout into the exterior of a cage base. A male sliding member can have asloped surface (e.g., 207 in FIGS. 4 and 11B) that facilitates assemblyand disassembly of an interior member and an exterior member.

An exterior member (201) is located in the exterior of a cage base wall(see FIG. 4 ). An exterior member can have a sliding stand (e.g., 208 inFIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 ) that can be rectangular in shape and can include afemale sliding member on each short side (e.g., 206 in FIGS. 4, 5, 11Band 12C). A exterior member can be oriented so a female sliding member(206) can slidingly engage the male sliding member (204) it is alignedwith (see FIGS. 4, 10A and 11B) until the male sliding member contacts asliding member stop (e.g., 223 in FIG. 11A), thus engaging the exteriormember and the interior member and attaching the grommet to a cage basewall (see FIG. 5 ).

An exterior member can include a retaining surface (e.g., 221 in FIG.10A), that prevents the grommet from falling into a cage. An exteriormember can include an extension member (e.g., 203 in FIGS. 2, 10B and10D).

An exterior member can also include a door (e.g., 209 in FIGS. 5, 6 and7 ) that can move relative to a sliding stand (208). A door can havedoor rails (e.g., 216 in FIGS. 7 and 12A-C) that can slide on doorguides (e.g., 218 in FIGS. 9 and 12C). A door can have a sloped surface(e.g., 210 in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 10C and 10D). A door can have a doorretainer that prevents the door from opening too much (e.g., 211 inFIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10B and 12B), a bottom door stop (e.g., 215 in FIGS.7, 8, 9, 10B, 12A and 12C), a top door stop (e.g., 217 in FIGS. 8, 9 and12C) and a connection member that reinforces door retainers (e.g., 222in FIGS. 10C and 12B).

Once a grommet is assembled as described above, a cage can be placedinto a rack that has an automatic watering system installed. When a cageis pushed towards the water supply tube, which is fixed on a rack, thegrommet engages with a water supply tube (e.g., 300 in FIGS. 6 and 7 ).The water supply tube contacts the angled surface (210) and the watersupply tube tube automatically raises the door (209), since the door isat a 45 degree angle, exposing the aperture (205) that the water supplytube travels through to reach the interior of a cage, where an animalcan access it. When a cage is removed from a rack, the water supply tubedisengages from the grommet and the door automatically shuts due togravity. FIG. 6 shows a door closed with water supply tube visible andnot inserted into the grommet. FIG. 7 shows a door open due to watersupply tube engagement. A door can be in a closed position coveringaperture 205 (see FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 ) or an open position which exposesthe aperture (see FIG. 9 ).

In some embodiments a detachable animal containment cage componentgrommet can be used for any cage component or item that need to beinserted in and removed from the interior of a cage (e.g., through acage base wall). For example, a sensor. In some embodiments, the shapeof an aperture of a grommet could vary in order to match the shape ofthe component to be inserted.

Disengagement

The act of nesting one cover to another cover or one base to anotherbase can disengage or dislodge a cage component and/or a cage componentmount member (e.g., a grommet). In certain embodiments, nesting resultsin a cage component becoming disengaged from a cage base or cage coverwith or without a cage component mount member. In some embodiments,nesting comprises inserting a first cage base (i.e., upper base) havinga cage component into the interior of a second cage base. The secondcage base can be alone or part of a stack of nested cage bases. The cagecomponent of a first cage base or a cage component mount member used toengage the cage component with the first cage base is contacted by asecond cage base. Contact typically is by a top edge of a base wall or aflange member that forms the upper edge of a wall of the second cagebase (i.e., lower base). The upward directed force generated by nestingand transmitted by the second cage can be sufficient to dislodge or movea cage component or a cage component mounting member. In someembodiments, a cage component or cage component mounting member orportion thereof is translated upward (slides upward and off ofengagement track).

A non-limiting embodiment of disengagement by nesting is shown in FIGS.1 to 3 . FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a progression of nesting of two cagebases (cage bases about to be nested, cage bases partially nested andgrommet starting to disassemble, cage bases fully nested). In thisembodiment, nesting of cage bases (e.g., 100 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 )disassembles a grommet (e.g., 200 in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) thus detaches thegrommet from a cage base wall. The bottom extension member of a grommet(e.g., 203 in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) contacts the top surface of the lower cagebase (e.g., 101 in FIG. 1 ). This action can result in the femalesliding members (206) attached to an exterior grommet member (201)sliding upward and off the male sliding members (204) attached to aninterior grommet member (202). FIG. 3 , shows complete nesting of thecage bases resulting in the grommet being disassembled and separatedfrom a cage base. The interior member (202) falls into a cage base andis flat relative to the cage base bottom. The exterior member (201)falls external to the cage bases.

In some embodiments a cage component mounting member or portion thereofcan be broken or sheared off by the nesting of cage bases or cagecovers.

In some embodiments, nesting comprises inserting a second cage base(i.e., upper base) into the interior of a first cage base having anengaged cage component or cage mount member to be disengaged. Thisembodiment could result in downward directed force on a cage componentor a cage component mount member that is transmitted by the bottom of acage base.

A non-limiting embodiment of disengagement by nesting that involvesbreakable tabs or cage component mount connectors is shown in FIGS. 16to 18 . FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate a progression of nesting of two cagebases (cage bases about to be nested, cage bases partially nested andcage bases fully nested). In this embodiment, breakable tabs (e.g., 601in FIGS. 16 and 17 ) are attached to sides of collapsible feeder (e.g.,600 in FIGS. 16 and 17 ) so that the feeder contacts inner walls of acage base and is suspended in the cage base interior. In thisembodiment, nesting of cage bases (e.g., 100 in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 )breaks off the breakable tabs, which thus detaches the feeder from thecage base walls. Nesting results in the bottom of the upper cage base(e.g., 104 in FIGS. 17 and 18 ) contacting the feeder in the lower cagebase with sufficient downward directed force to result in the breakabletags being broken off the feeder. The disengaged feeder remains in theinterior of the lower cage base. Further nesting of the cage bases andcontinued contact with the bottom of the upper cage base causes thecollapsible feeder to collapse (e.g., 602 in FIG. 18 ) onto the floor ofthe lower cage base.

In some embodiments, the location of a disengaged cage component ordisengaged cage component mount member can be configured based onplacement of the engaged cage component or cage component mount memberrelative to a cage base wall interior or exterior surface or a cagecover interior or exterior surface. For example, a feeder member that isengaged with the internal surface of one or more cage walls, whendisengaged will be located in the interior of a cage base. In anotherexample, a card holder that is engaged with the upper surface of a cagecover, when disengaged will be located exterior to a cage cover.

In some embodiments dislodged or disengaged cage components and/or cagecomponent mount members that remain with nested bases or nested coverscan be recycled together. In some embodiments dislodged or disengagedcage components and/or cage component mount members do not remain withnested bases or nested covers (are external) can be collected forrecycling or reuse.

Nesting of cage covers can also generate either an upward directed or adownward directed force that that could dislodge or disengage a cagecomponent or cage component mount member from a cage cover or couldcollapse or crushed a cage component that remains associated with acover.

A non-limiting embodiment of collapsing by nesting is shown in FIGS. 13to 15 . FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate a progression of nesting of two cagecovers (cage covers about to be nested, cage covers partially nested andcage covers fully nested). In this embodiment, nesting of cage covers(e.g., 400 in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 ) collapses a water pouch (e.g., 500in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 ) that is in an integral bottle cavity andremains associated with the lower a cage cover. The bottle cavity of theupper cage cover (e.g., 401 in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 ) contacts the waterpouch in the lower cage cover when the cage covers are nested (see FIG.14 ). A downward directed force causes the water pouch to collapse (seeFIG. 15 ).

In some embodiments nesting of cage bases or cage covers to disengagecage components and/or cage component mount members from a cage base ora cage cover can be repeated with a new cage base or cage cover until adesired number of nested cage bases or cage covers are stacked together.

Crushable or Collapsible Components

In some embodiments a cage component and/or a cage component mountelement after being disengaged from a sidewall of a cage base remains inthe interior of a cage base. Typically, on the interior surface of thecage base bottom. In some embodiments a cage component and/or a cagecomponent mount element that remains in the interior of a cage base ispredominately flat and assumes an orientation that presents a smallvertical profile (e.g., lies flat) relative to a cage base bottominterior surface. In some embodiments a cage component and/or a cagecomponent mount element that remains in the interior of a cage base hasa significant profile (e.g., feed tray). In some embodiments a cagecomponent is placed on the interior surface of the cage base bottom(e.g., a wheel or a dome structure). In some embodiments, a cagecomponent is not engaged with a cage base or a cage cover by a cagemount member, but resides in a holder such as a bottle holder. Such acage component is not detached by nesting but collapsed or crushed bythe act of nesting (see FIGS. 13 to 15 ). In some embodiments, thesecomponents may be constructed so that their structure remains intactwhen subject to ordinary use in a cage. However, when a cage base isnested with another cage base, the downward force generated by the actof nesting cage bases is transmitted to the cage component by a cagebase bottom or portion thereof can be sufficient to compromise thestructure of the cage component in whole or in part. In some embodimentsthe cage component is broken, crushed, flattened or collapsed to asufficient extent that nesting of cage bases is not significantlyaffected. In some embodiments, such a cage component (e.g., wheel ordome structure, housing structure) can remain in a cage base,eliminating the need for manual removal prior to nesting. In someembodiments the cage component becomes part of the materials ready forrecycling.

A non-limiting embodiment of nesting resulting in the collapse of a cagecomponent that is placed in the interior of a cage base is shown inFIGS. 19 to 21 . FIGS. 19 to 21 illustrate a progression of nesting oftwo cage bases (cage bases about to be nested, cage bases partiallynested and cage bases fully nested). In this embodiment, collapsibleenrichment wheel (e.g., 700 in FIGS. 19 and 20 ) is not removed from theinterior of a cage base prior to nesting. In this embodiment, nesting ofcage bases (e.g., 100 in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 ) results in the bottom ofthe upper cage base (e.g., 104 in FIGS. 20 and 21 ) contacting thecollapsible enrichment wheel on the floor of the lower cage base withsufficient downward directed force to result in the collapse of thecollapsible enrichment wheel (e.g., 701 in FIG. 21 ) onto the floor ofthe lower cage base, where it will remain for recycling.

Manufacture

Cage bases, cages covers, cage components and cage component mountmembers may be manufactured from one or more materials suitable forhousing an animal. Non-limiting examples of materials that may beutilized for manufacture of a cage base, a cage lid, a cage component orpart thereof or a cage component mount member includes a suitableplastic or polymer (e.g., polypropylene (PE), high-density polyethylene,low-density polyethylene, polyethylene teraphthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylenefluoroethylene (PEFE), polystyrene (PS),polycarbonate, polystyrene (e.g., high-density polystyrene),acrylnitrile butadiene styrene copolymers, the like or combinationsthereof). In certain embodiments a recyclable material is used (e.g.,PET). In some embodiments cage bases, a cage lids, cage components and acage component mount members are all constructed from the samerecyclable polymer, such as PET) to eliminate the need to separatedifferent items prior to recycling.

Examples of Embodiments

Provided hereafter are non-limiting examples of certain embodiments ofthe technology.

A1. An animal containment cage base, comprising:

-   -   a bottom and one or more walls, wherein the walls comprise an        interior surface and an exterior surface;    -   the cage base is configured for nesting with another cage base;    -   one or more cage components and/or one or more cage component        mount members engaged with a portion of the cage base; and    -   the one or more cage components and the one or more cage        component mount members are configured for disengagement from        the cage base when the cage base is nested.

A2. The animal containment cage base of embodiment A1, wherein nestingcomprises the cage base inserted into another cage base.

A3. The animal containment cage base of embodiment A1, wherein nestingcomprises another cage base inserted into the cage base.

A4. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 to A3,wherein one or more of the cage components comprise a cage componentmount member configured for engagement with a wall of the cage base.

A5. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 to A4,wherein a cage component mount member contacts the interior surface of awall of the cage base.

A6. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 to A4,wherein a cage component mount member contacts the exterior surface of awall of the cage base.

A7. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 to A4,wherein a cage component mount member contacts the interior surface andthe exterior surface of a wall of the cage base.

A8. The animal containment cage base of embodiment A7, wherein the cagecomponent mount member is a grommet.

A9. The animal containment cage base of embodiment A8, wherein the cagecomponent mount member is configured for use with a water supply tube.

A9.1. The animal containment cage base of embodiment A8, wherein thecage component mount member is configured for use with a sensor member.

A10. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA9.1, wherein a cage component mount member is configured to beseparated into parts, sheared or broken when the cage base is nested.

A11. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA10, wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or anengaged cage component mount member or portion thereof is configured tobe positioned in the interior of the cage base when disengaged from thecage base.

A11.1. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA10, wherein an engaged cage component or a portion or an engaged cagecomponent mount member or portion thereof is configured to be positionedexterior to the cage base when disengaged from the cage base.

A11.2. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA10, wherein a portion of an engaged cage component or an engaged cagecomponent mount member is configured to be positioned in the interior ofthe cage base when disengaged from the cage base and a portion of anengaged cage component or an engaged cage component mount member isconfigured to be positioned exterior to the cage base when disengagedfrom the cage base.

A12. The animal cage containment base of embodiment A11 or A11.2,wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or an engagedcage component mount member or portion thereof is configured to bepositioned in the interior of the cage base with a flat profile relativeto the bottom of the cage base, when disengaged from the cage base.

A12.1 The animal cage containment base of embodiment A11 or A11.2,wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or an engagedcage component mount member or portion thereof is configured to beflattened upon nesting of the cage base.

A13. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA12.1, wherein a cage component is chosen from one or more of a foodtray, a water bottle holder, a water pouch, a water bottle, a card cageholder, a shelter structure, a wheel, a dome and wheel and combinationsthereof.

A14. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA13, wherein a cage base and one or more cage components are single use.

A14.1. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA14, wherein a cage base and one or more cage components and/or one ormore cage component mount member are made of the same recyclablematerial.

A15. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA14.1, wherein a cage base or a cage base and a cage component are madeof a polymer.

A16. The animal containment cage base of embodiment A15, wherein thepolymer is recyclable.

A17. The animal containment cage base of embodiment A16, wherein thepolymer is polyethylene terephthalate.

A18. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA17, wherein the walls of the base are of a substantially uniformthickness of about 0.01 to about 0.08 inches.

A19. The animal containment cage base of embodiment A18, wherein thewalls of the base are of a substantially uniform thickness of about 0.01to about 0.03 inches.

A20. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA19, wherein the walls taper inward toward the bottom.

A21. The animal containment cage base of any one of embodiments A1 toA20, wherein the animal containment cage base is a rodent containmentcage base.

B1. A set of animal containment cage bases, comprising:

-   -   a first cage base comprising a bottom and one or more walls,        wherein the walls comprise an interior surface and an exterior        surface;    -   a second cage base comprising a bottom and one or more walls;    -   the first cage base is configured for nesting with the second        cage base;    -   the second cage base is configured for nesting with the first        cage base;    -   one or more cage components and/or one or more cage component        mount members engaged with a portion of the first cage base; and    -   the one or more cage components and the one or more cage        component mount members are configured for disengagement from        the first cage base when the first cage base and the second cage        base are nested.

B2. The set of animal containment cage bases of embodiment B1, whereinnesting comprises a first cage base inserted into a second cage base.

B2.1. The set of animal containment cage bases of embodiment B2, whereindisengagement comprises a top edge of a wall of a second cage basecontacting a cage component and/or a cage component mount member.

B3. The set of animal containment cage bases of embodiment B1, whereinnesting comprises a second cage base inserted into a first cage base.

B3.1. The set of animal containment cage bases of embodiment B3, whereindisengagement comprises the bottom or a portion thereof of the secondcage base contacting a cage component and/or a cage component mountmember of the first base.

B4. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B3.1, wherein one or more of the cage components comprise a cagecomponent mount member configured for engagement with a wall of thefirst cage base.

B5. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B4, wherein a cage component mount member contacts the interiorsurface of a wall of the first cage base.

B6. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B4, wherein a cage component mount member contacts the exteriorsurface of a wall of the first cage base.

B7. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B4, wherein a cage component mount member contacts the interiorsurface and the exterior surface of a wall of the first cage base.

B8. The set of animal containment cage bases of embodiment B7, whereinthe cage component mount member is a grommet.

B9. The set of animal containment cage bases of embodiment B8, whereinthe cage component mount member is configured for use with a watersupply tube.

B9.1. The set of animal containment cage bases of embodiment B8, whereinthe cage component mount member is configured for use with a sensormember.

B10. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B9.1, wherein a cage component mount member is configured to beseparated into parts, sheared or broken when the first cage base and thesecond cage base are nested.

B11. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B10, wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or anengaged cage component mount member or portion thereof is configured tobe positioned in the interior of the first cage base when disengagedfrom the first cage base.

B11.1. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one ofembodiments B1 to B10, wherein an engaged cage component or a portion oran engaged cage component mount member or portion thereof is configuredto be positioned exterior to the first cage base when disengaged fromthe first cage base.

B11.2. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one ofembodiments B1 to B10, wherein a portion of an engaged cage component oran engaged cage component mount member is configured to be positioned inthe interior of the first cage base when disengaged from the first cagebase and a portion of an engaged cage component or an engaged cagecomponent mount member is configured to be positioned exterior to thefirst cage base when disengaged from the first cage base.

B12. The set of animal cage containment bases of embodiment B11 orB11.2, wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or anengaged cage component mount member or portion thereof is configured tobe positioned in the interior of the first cage base with a flat profilerelative to the bottom of the first cage base, when disengaged from thefirst cage base.

B12.1 The animal cage containment base of embodiment B11 or B11.2,wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or an engagedcage component mount member or portion thereof is configured to beflattened upon nesting of the first cage base and the second cage base.

B13. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B12.1, wherein a cage component is chosen from one or more of afood tray, a water bottle holder, a water pouch, a water bottle a cardcage holder, a shelter structure, a wheel, a dome and wheel andcombinations thereof.

B14. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B13, wherein the cage bases and one or more cage components aresingle use.

B14.1. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one ofembodiments B1 to B14, wherein a first and second cage base and one ormore cage components and/or one or more cage component mount member aremade of the same recyclable material.

B15. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B14.1, wherein the cage bases or the cage bases and a cagecomponent are made of a polymer.

B16. The set of animal containment cage bases of embodiment B15, whereinthe polymer is recyclable.

B17. The set of animal containment cage bases of embodiment B16, whereinthe polymer is polyethylene terephthalate.

B18. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B17, wherein the walls of the bases are of a substantially uniformthickness of about 0.01 to about 0.08 inches.

B19. The set of animal containment cage bases of embodiment B18, whereinthe walls of the bases are of a substantially uniform thickness of about0.01 to about 0.03 inches.

B20. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B19, wherein the walls of the bases taper inward toward thebottom.

B21. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B20, wherein the animal containment cage bases are rodentcontainment cage bases.

B22. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B21, wherein nesting is 75% or more.

B23. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B21, wherein nesting is 80% or more.

B24. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B21, wherein nesting is 85% or more.

B25. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B21, wherein nesting is 90% or more.

B26. The set of animal containment cage bases of any one of embodimentsB1 to B21, wherein nesting is 95% or more.

C1. A method for disengaging one or more cage components and/or cagecomponent mount members from an animal containment cage base comprising;

-   -   nesting a first cage base comprising a bottom and one or more        walls and one or more cage components and/or one or more cage        component mount members with a second cage base comprising a        bottom and one or more walls, whereby the one or more cage        components and/or one or more cage component mount members are        disengaged from the first cage base.

C2. The method of embodiment C1, wherein a cage component is chosen fromone or more of a food tray, a water bottle holder, a water pouch, awater bottle, a card cage holder, a shelter structure, a wheel, a domeand wheel and combinations thereof.

C3. The method of embodiment C1 or C2, wherein nesting with a secondcage base comprises a first cage base inserted into a second cage base.

C4. The method of embodiment C3, wherein disengagement from a first cagebase comprises a top edge of a wall of a second cage base contacting acage component or a cage component mount member of a first cage base.

C5. The method of embodiment C1 or C2, wherein nesting with a secondcage base comprises a second cage base inserted into a first cage base.

C6. The method of embodiment C5, wherein disengagement comprises thebottom or portion thereof of a second cage base contacting a cagecomponent or a cage component mount member of a first cage base.

C7. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C6, wherein one or moreof the cage components comprise a cage component mount member forengagement with a wall of a first cage base.

C7.1. The method of embodiment C7, wherein the cage component mountmember contacts the interior surface of a wall of a first cage base.

C7.2. The method of embodiment C7, wherein the cage component mountmember contacts the exterior surface of a wall of a first cage base.

C8. The method of embodiment C7, wherein the cage component mount membercontacts an interior surface and an exterior surface of a wall of afirst cage base.

C9. The method of embodiment C8, wherein the cage component mount memberis a grommet.

C10. The method of embodiment C9, wherein the cage component mountmember is configured for use with a water supply tube.

C11. The method of embodiment C9, wherein the cage component mountmember is configured for use with a sensor member.

C12. The method of any one of embodiments C7 to C11, wherein the cagecomponent mount member is configured to be separated into parts, shearedor broken when a first cage base and a second cage base are nested.

C13. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C6, wherein a disengagedcage component or a portion thereof or a disengaged cage component mountmember or portion thereof is in the interior of a first cage base.

C14. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C6, wherein a disengagedcage component or a portion thereof or a disengaged cage component mountmember or portion thereof is exterior to a first cage base.

C15. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C6, wherein a portion ofa disengaged cage component or a disengaged cage component mount memberis in the interior of a first cage base and a portion of a disengagedcage component or a disengaged cage component mount member is exteriorto a first cage base.

C16. The method of embodiment C13 or C15, wherein a disengaged cagecomponent or a portion thereof or cage component mount member or portionthereof in the interior of a first cage base is oriented to be flatrelative to the bottom of a first cage base.

C16.1. The method of embodiment C13 or C15, wherein an engaged cagecomponent or a portion thereof or an engaged cage component mount memberor portion thereof is flattened upon nesting of the first cage base andthe second cage base.

C16.2. The method of embodiment C14 or C15, wherein a disengaged cagecomponent or a portion thereof or cage component mount member or portionthereof exterior to a first cage base is collected for reuse.

C17. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C16, wherein the firstand second nested cage bases and one or more cage components or one ormore cage component mount members are disposed of.

C18. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C16.1, wherein first andsecond nested cage bases and one or more cage components are single use.

C19. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C18, wherein the cagebases, the cage components and/or the cage component mount members aremade of a polymer.

C20. The method of embodiment C19, wherein the polymer is recyclable.

C20.1. The method of embodiment C20, wherein the cage bases, the cagecomponents and/or the cage component mount members are made of the samerecyclable polymer.

C21. The method of embodiment C20 or C20.1, wherein the polymer ispolyethylene terephthalate.

C21. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C16.2 and C18 to C21,wherein the first and second nested cage bases, one or more cagecomponents and/or one or more cage component mount members are incondition to be recycled.

C22. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C21, wherein the wallsof the bases are of a substantially uniform thickness of about 0.01 toabout 0.08 inches.

C23. The method of embodiment C22, wherein the walls of the bases are ofa substantially uniform thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.03 inches.

C24. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C23, wherein nesting is75% or more.

C25. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C23, wherein nesting is80% or more.

C26. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C23, wherein nesting is85% or more.

C27. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C23, wherein nesting is90% or more.

C28. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C23, wherein nesting is95% or more.

C29. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C28, wherein the wallstaper inward toward the bottom.

C30. The method of any one of embodiments C1 to C29, wherein the animalcontainment cage base is a rodent containment cage base.

D1. A animal containment cage cover, comprising:

-   -   a planar region comprising an interior surface and an exterior        surface and a flange region extending around a perimeter of the        cover;    -   the cage cover is configured for nesting with another cage        cover;    -   one or more cage components and/or one or more cage component        mount members engaged with a portion of the planar region of a        cage cover; and    -   the cage components and the cage component mount members are        configured for disengagement from the cage cover when cage cover        is nested.

D2. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D1, wherein nestingcomprises the cage cover inserted into another cage cover.

D3. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D1, wherein nestingcomprises another cage cover inserted into the cage cover.

D4. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D1 toD3, wherein one or more of the cage components comprise a cage componentmount member configured for engagement with the cage cover.

D5. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D4, wherein the cagecomponent mount member contacts the interior surface of the planarregion of the cage cover.

D6. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D4, wherein the cagecomponent mount member contacts the exterior surface of the planarregion of the cage cover.

D7. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D4, wherein the cagecomponent mount member contacts the interior surface and the exteriorsurface of the planar region of the cage cover.

D8. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D7, wherein the cagecomponent mount member is a grommet.

D9. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D8, wherein the cagecomponent mount member is configured for use with a water supply tube.

D9.1. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D8, wherein thecage component mount member is configured for use with a sensor member.

D10. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D4 toD9.1, wherein the cage component mount member is configured to beseparated into parts, sheared or broken when the cage cover is nested.

D11. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D1 toD3, wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or an engagedcage component mount member or portion thereof is configured to remainin contact with the cage cover when disengaged from the cage cover.

D11.1. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D1 toD3, wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or an engagedcage component mount member or portion thereof is configured to beseparate from the cage cover when disengaged from the cage cover.

D11.2. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D1 toD3, wherein a portion of an engaged cage component or an engaged cagecomponent mount member is configured to remain in contact with the cagecover when disengaged from the cage cover and a portion of an engagedcage component or an engaged cage component mount member is configuredto be separate from the cage cover when disengaged from the cage cover.

D12. The animal cage containment cover of embodiment D11 or D11.2,wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or an engagedcage component mount member or portion thereof is configured to remainin contact with the cage cover with a flat profile relative to theplanar region of the cage cover, when disengaged from the cage cover.

D12.1 The animal cage containment base of embodiments D11 to D.11.2,wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or an engagedcage component mount member or portion thereof is configured to beflattened upon nesting of the cage cover.

D13. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D1 toD12.1, wherein a cage component is chosen from one or more of a foodtray, a water bottle holder, a water pouch, a water bottle a card cageholder, a shelter structure, a wheel, a dome and wheel and combinationsthereof.

D14. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D1 toD13, wherein a cage cover and one or more cage components are singleuse.

D14.1. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D1 toD14, wherein a cage cover and one or more cage components and/or one ormore cage component mount members are made of the same recyclablematerial.

D15. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D1 toD14.1, wherein a cage cover or a cage cover and a cage component aremade of a polymer.

D16. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D15, wherein thepolymer is recyclable.

D17. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D16, wherein thepolymer is polyethylene terephthalate.

D18. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D1 toD17, wherein the cover is of a substantially uniform thickness of about0.01 to about 0.08 inches.

D19. The animal containment cage cover of embodiment D18, wherein thecover is of a substantially uniform thickness of about 0.01 to about0.03 inches.

D20. The animal containment cage cover of any one of embodiments D1 toD19, wherein the animal containment cage cover is a rodent animalcontainment cage cover.

E1. A set of animal containment cage covers, comprising:

-   -   a first cage cover comprising a planar region comprise an        interior surface and an exterior surface and a flange region        extending around a perimeter of the cover;    -   a second cage cover comprising a planar region comprise an        interior surface and an exterior surface and a flange region        extending around a perimeter of the cover;    -   the first cage cover is configured for nesting with the second        cage cover;    -   the second cage cover is configured for nesting with the first        cage cover;    -   one or more cage components and/or one or more cage component        mount members engaged with a portion of the first cage cover;        and    -   the cage components and the cage component mount members are        configured for disengagement from the first cage cover when the        first cage cover and the second cage cover are nested.

E2. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E1, whereinnesting comprises a first cage cover inserted into a second cage cover.

E2.1. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E2,wherein disengagement comprises the flange region or portion thereofand/or the external surface or portion thereof of a planar region of asecond cage cover contacting a cage component and/or a cage componentmount member of the first cage cover.

E3. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E1, whereinnesting comprises a second cage cover inserted into a first cage cover.

E3.1. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E3,wherein disengagement comprises the flange region or portion thereofand/or the internal surface or portion thereof of a planar region of thesecond cage cover contacting a cage component and/or a cage componentmount member of the first cage cover.

E4. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E3.1, wherein one or more of the cage components comprise a cagecomponent mount member configured for engagement with the first cagecover.

E5. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E4, whereinthe cage component mount member contacts the interior surface of theplanar region of the first cage cover.

E6. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E4, whereinthe cage component mount member contacts the exterior surface of theplanar region of the first cage cover.

E7. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E4, whereinthe cage component mount member contacts the interior surface and theexterior surface of the first cage cover.

E8. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E7, whereinthe cage component mount member is a grommet.

E9. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E8, whereinthe cage component mount member is configured for use with a watersupply tube.

E9.1. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E8,wherein the cage component mount member is configured for use with asensor member.

E10. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE4 to E9.1, wherein a cage component mount member is configured to beseparated into parts, sheared or broken when the first cage cover andthe second cage cover are nested.

E11. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E3.1, wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or anengaged cage component mount member or portion thereof is configured tobe positioned between the first and second cage covers, when disengagedfrom the first cage cover.

E11.1. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one ofembodiments E1 to E3.1, wherein an engaged cage component or a portionthereof or an engaged cage component mount member or portion thereof isconfigured to be positioned exterior to or separate from the first cagecover, when disengaged from the first cage cover.

E11.2. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one ofembodiments E1 to E3.1, wherein a portion of an engaged cage componentor an engaged cage component mount member is configured to be positionedbetween the first and second cage covers, when disengaged from the firstcage cover and a portion of an engaged cage component or an engaged cagecomponent mount member is configured to be positioned exterior to orseparate from the first cage cover, when disengaged from the first cagecover.

E12. The set of animal cage containment covers of embodiment E11 orE11.2, wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or anengaged cage component mount member or portion thereof is configured tobe positioned between the first and second cage covers with a flatprofile relative to the planar region of the first cage cover, whendisengaged from the first cage cover.

E12.1. The animal cage containment base of embodiment E11 or E11.2,wherein an engaged cage component or a portion thereof or an engagedcage component mount member or portion thereof is configured to beflattened upon nesting of the first and second cage covers.

E13. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E12.1, wherein a cage component is chosen from one or more of afood tray, a water bottle holder, a water pouch, a water bottle a cardcage holder, a shelter structure, a wheel, a dome and wheel andcombinations thereof.

E14. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E13, wherein the cage covers and one or more cage components aresingle use.

E14.1. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one ofembodiments E1 to E14, wherein the cage covers and one or more cagecomponents and/or one or more cage component mount members are made ofthe same recyclable material.

E15. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E14.1, wherein the cage covers or the cage covers and a cagecomponent are made of a polymer.

E16. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E15,wherein the polymer is recyclable.

E17. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E16,wherein the polymer is polyethylene terephthalate.

E18. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E17, wherein the cage covers are of a substantially uniformthickness of about 0.01 to about 0.08 inches.

E19. The set of animal containment cage covers of embodiment E18,wherein the cage covers are of a substantially uniform thickness ofabout 0.01 to about 0.03 inches.

E20. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E19, wherein the animal is a rodent.

E21. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E20, wherein nesting is 70% or more.

E22. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E20, wherein nesting is 80% or more.

E23. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E20, wherein nesting is 85% or more.

E24. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E20, wherein nesting is 90% or more.

E25. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E20, wherein nesting is 95% or more.

E26. The set of animal containment cage covers of any one of embodimentsE1 to E25, wherein the animal containment cage covers are rodentcontainment cage covers.

F1. A method for disengaging one or more cage components and/or cagecomponent mount members from an animal containment cage covercomprising;

-   -   nesting a first cage cover comprising a planar region comprising        an interior surface and an exterior surface and a flange region        extending around a perimeter of the cover and one or more cage        components and/or one or more cage component mount members        engaged with a portion of the first cage cover with a second        cage cover comprising a planar region comprising an interior        surface and an exterior surface and a flange region extending        around a perimeter of the cover, whereby the one or more cage        components and/or one or more cage component mount members are        disengaged from the first cage cover.

F2. The method of embodiment F1, wherein a cage component is chosen fromone or more of a food tray, a water bottle holder, a water pouch, awater bottle, a card cage holder, a shelter structure, a wheel, a domeand wheel and combinations thereof.

F3. The method of embodiment F1 or F2, wherein nesting with a secondcage cover comprises a first cage cover inserted into a second cagecover.

F4. The method of embodiment F3, wherein disengagement from a first cagecover comprises a flange region or portion thereof and/or the externalsurface or portion thereof of a planar region of a second cage covercontacting a cage component and/or a cage component mount member of thefirst cage cover.

F5. The method of embodiment F1 or F2, wherein nesting with a secondcage cover comprises a second cage cover inserted into a first cagecover.

F6. The method of embodiment F5, wherein disengagement comprises theflange region or portion thereof and/or the internal surface or portionthereof of a planar region of the second cage cover contacting a cagecomponent and/or a cage component mount member of the first cage cover.

F7. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F6, wherein one or moreof the cage components comprise a cage component mount member forengagement with the planar region of a first cage cover.

F7.1. The method of embodiment F7, wherein a cage component mount membercontacts the interior surface of the planar region of a first cagecover.

F7.2. The method of embodiment F7, wherein a cage component mount membercontacts the exterior surface of the planar region of a first cagecover.

F8. The method of embodiment F7, wherein a cage component mount membercontacts an interior surface and an exterior surface of the planarregion of a first cage cover.

F9. The method of embodiment F8, wherein the cage component mount memberis a grommet.

F10. The method of embodiment F9, wherein the cage component mountmember is configured for use with a water supply tube.

F11. The method of embodiment F9, wherein the cage component mountmember is configured for use with a sensor member.

F12. The method of any one of embodiments F7 to F11, wherein a cagecomponent mount member is configured to be separated into parts, shearedor broken when a first cage cover and a second cage cover are nested.

F13. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F6, wherein an engagedcage component or a portion thereof or an engaged cage component mountmember or portion thereof is configured to be positioned between a firstand a second cage cover when disengaged from a first cage cover.

F14. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F6, an engaged cagecomponent or a portion or an engaged cage component mount member orportion thereof is configured to be to be positioned separate from afirst cage cover when disengaged from the first cage cover.

F15. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F6, wherein a portion ofan engaged cage component or an engaged cage component mount member isconfigured to be positioned between a first cage cover and a second cagecover when disengaged from the first cage cover and a portion of anengaged cage component or an engaged cage component mount member isconfigured to be positioned exterior to or separate from a first cagecover when disengaged from the first cage cover.

F16. The method of embodiment F13 or F15, wherein a disengaged cagecomponent or a portion thereof or cage component mount member or portionthereof between a first and a second cage cover is oriented to have flatprofile relative to the planar region of the first cage cover.

F16.1. The method of embodiment F13 or F15, wherein an engaged cagecomponent or a portion thereof or an engaged cage component mount memberor portion thereof is flattened upon nesting of the first and secondcage covers.

F16.2. The method of embodiment F14 or F15, wherein a disengaged cagecomponent or a portion thereof or a disengaged cage component mountmember or portion thereof exterior to or separate from a first cagecover is collected for reuse.

F17. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F16.1, wherein the firstand second nested cage covers and one or more cage components or one ormore cage component mount members are disposed of.

F18. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F16.1 and F17, whereinfirst and second nested cage covers and one or more cage components aresingle use.

F19. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F18, wherein the cagecovers, cage components and cage component mount members are made of apolymer.

F20. The method of embodiment F19, wherein the polymer is recyclable.

F20.1. The method of embodiment F20, the cage covers, cage componentsand cage component mount members are made of the same recyclablepolymer.

F21. The method of embodiment F20 or F20.1, wherein the polymer ispolyethylene terephthalate.

F21.1. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F16.2 and F18 to F21,wherein the first and second nested cage covers, one or more cagecomponents and/or one or more cage component mount members are incondition to be recycled.

F22. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F21.1, wherein the wallsof the covers are of a substantially uniform thickness of about 0.01 toabout 0.08 inches.

F23. The method of embodiment F22, wherein the walls of the covers areof a substantially uniform thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.03 inches.

F24. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F23, wherein nesting is75% or more.

F25. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F23, wherein nesting is80% or more.

F26. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F23, wherein nesting is85% or more.

F27. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F23, wherein nesting is90% or more.

F28. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F23, wherein nesting is95% or more.

F29. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F28, wherein the wallstaper inward toward the bottom.

F30. The method of any one of embodiments F1 to F29, wherein the animalcontainment cage covers are rodent containment cage covers.

G1. A detachable animal containment cage component grommet, comprising:

-   -   an interior member comprising an aperture for insertion of a        cage component; and    -   an exterior member comprising a sliding door to allow access to        the aperture; wherein    -   the interior member and the exterior member are configured for        engagement and for disengagement.

G2. The animal containment cage component grommet of embodiment G1,wherein the interior and the exterior members are engaged and thegrommet is attached to a wall of an animal containment cage base.

G3. The animal containment cage component grommet of embodiment G2,wherein upward deflection of the exterior member relative to theinterior member results in disengagement of the exterior member from theinterior member and detachment of the grommet from the cage base wall.

G4. The animal containment cage component grommet of embodiment G2 orG3, wherein the interior member contacts an interior surface of the walland the exterior member contacts an exterior surface of the wall.

G5. The animal containment cage component grommet of any one ofembodiments G1 to G4, wherein the interior member comprises a malesliding member and the exterior member comprises a female slidingmember.

G6. The animal containment cage component grommet of embodiment G5,wherein, engagement comprises downward movement of the female slidingmember relative to the male sliding member.

G7. The animal containment cage component grommet of embodiment G5,wherein, disengagement comprise upward movement of the female slidingmember relative to the male sliding member.

G8. The animal containment cage component grommet of any one ofembodiments G1 to G7, wherein the cage component is a water supply tube.

G9. The animal containment cage grommet of embodiment G8, wherein thesliding door comprises a sloped surface and the sliding door isconfigured to open when the sloped surface is contacted by the watersupply tube and to close when not in contact with the water supply tube.

G10. The animal containment cage grommet of any one of embodiments G1 toG9, wherein the interior member and the exterior member are made ofrecyclable plastic.

H1. A method of detaching an animal containment cage component grommetfrom an animal containment cage comprising:

-   -   nesting a first cage base comprising an animal containment cage        component grommet with a second cage base comprising a bottom        and one or more walls, whereby the animal containment cage        component grommet is detached from the first cage base.

H2. The method of embodiment H1, wherein nesting a first cage base witha second cage base comprises a first cage base inserted into a secondcage base.

H3. The method of embodiment H2, wherein a top edge of a wall of asecond cage base contacts the animal containment cage component grommet.

H4. The method of embodiment H3, wherein the top edge of the wall of thesecond cage base is a flange.

H5. The method of embodiment H3 or H4, wherein the animal containmentcage component grommet comprises an interior member engaged with anexterior member and the wall of the second cage base contacts theexterior member of the animal containment cage component grommet.

H5.1. The method of embodiment H5, wherein the exterior member comprisesan extension member and the extension member contacts the top edge ofthe wall of the second cage base.

H6. The method of embodiment H5 or H5.1, wherein contact of the wall ofthe second cage base with the exterior member results upwarddisplacement of the exterior member relative to the interior member.

H7. The method of embodiment H6, wherein upward displacement of theexterior member relative to the interior member results in the exteriormember of the grommet disengaging from the interior member of thegrommet and the grommet detaching from the cage base wall.

H8. The method of embodiment H7, wherein the detached interior member isin the interior of the first cage base.

H9. The method of embodiment H7, wherein the detached exterior member isexterior to the first cage base.

H10. The method of embodiment H9, wherein the detached exterior memberis collected for reuse.

H11. The method of any one of embodiments H1 to H10, wherein the cagebases and the grommet are made of the same recyclable polymer.

H12. The method of any one of embodiment H1 to H11, wherein the animalcontainment cage component grommet is configured for use with a watersupply tube.

H13. The method of embodiment H8, wherein a disengaged grommet in theinterior of a first cage base is oriented to be flat relative to thebottom of a first cage base.

H14 The method of any one of embodiments H1 to H13, wherein thedetachable animal containment cage component grommet is a detachablerodent containment cage component grommet.

11. A rodent containment cage component grommet, comprising:

-   -   an interior member comprising an aperture for insertion of a        water supply tube and a male sliding member and    -   an exterior member comprising a sliding door for access to the        aperture; a female sliding member and an extension member,    -   wherein (i) the male sliding member is configured to engage the        female sliding member to associate the interior member and the        exterior member and produce an assembled grommet, (ii) the        assembled grommet is attached to cage base wall when the        interior member is inserted from the interior of a cage base        through an opening in a cage base wall to contact the exterior        member positioned exterior to the cage base to engage the male        and female sliding members and (iii) the assembled grommet when        attached to a cage base wall is disassembled and detached from        the cage base wall when the cage base is nested with another        cage base and a wall of the other cage base contacts the        extension member.

The entirety of each patent, patent application, publication anddocument referenced herein hereby is incorporated by reference. Citationof the above patents, patent applications, publications and documents isnot an admission that any of the foregoing is pertinent prior art, nordoes it constitute any admission as to the contents or date of thesepublications or documents. Their citation is not an indication of asearch for relevant disclosures. All statements regarding the date(s) orcontents of the documents is based on available information and is notan admission as to their accuracy or correctness.

Modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing from thebasic aspects of the technology. Although the technology has beendescribed in substantial detail with reference to one or more specificembodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made to the embodiments specifically disclosed in thisapplication, yet these modifications and improvements are within thescope and spirit of the technology.

The technology illustratively described herein suitably may be practicedin the absence of any element(s) not specifically disclosed herein.Thus, for example, in each instance herein any of the terms“comprising,” “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting of” may bereplaced with either of the other two terms. The terms and expressionswhich have been employed are used as terms of description and not oflimitation, and use of such terms and expressions do not exclude anyequivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, andvarious modifications are possible within the scope of the technologyclaimed. The term “a” or “an” can refer to one of or a plurality of theelements it modifies (e.g., “a reagent” can mean one or more reagents)unless it is contextually clear either one of the elements or more thanone of the elements is described. The term “about” as used herein refersto a value within 10% of the underlying parameter (i.e., plus or minus10%), and use of the term “about” at the beginning of a string of valuesmodifies each of the values (i.e., “about 1, 2 and 3” refers to about 1,about 2 and about 3). For example, a weight of “about 100 grams” caninclude weights between 90 grams and 110 grams. Further, when a listingof values is described herein (e.g., about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85% or86%) the listing includes all intermediate and fractional values thereof(e.g., 54%, 85.4%). Thus, it should be understood that although thepresent technology has been specifically disclosed by representativeembodiments and optional features, modification and variation of theconcepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in theart, and such modifications and variations are considered within thescope of this technology.

Certain embodiments of the technology are set forth in the claim(s) thatfollow(s).

1. A detachable animal containment cage grommet, comprising: an interiormember comprising an aperture for insertion of a cage component; and anexterior member comprising a sliding door constructed to make contactwith the cage component and slide open during the insertion of the cagecomponent to allow access to the aperture; wherein the interior memberand the exterior member are configured for engagement and fordisengagement.